Studio Procedure and Standards
Advanced Sterilization Equipment
We utilize a Statim G4 steam autoclave to sterilize all equipment and materials used for every procedure. The Statim G4 has an eight minute cycle time, which allows us to sterilize all of the items used for the procedure in your presence, giving you the comfort of seeing that everything used for your piercing has been properly sterilized in your presence.
Every procedure set-up includes an integrator strip, which is used to measure the temperature and pressure inside the autoclave, proving that the required conditions for sterilization have been met. Your piercer will have you initial the integrator strip before sterilization, and then you will be shown your integrator strip after autoclave sterilization, to confirm sterilization of the items that will be used during your piercing procedure.
Sterile Gloves
While sterile gloves are not required by the Association of Professional Piercers or the Washington piercing regulations, we have chosen to use sterile gloves for all initial piercing procedures to provide you with an extra level of cleanliness and safety.
Latex Free
With a growing number of the population developing latex sensitivities and allergies, we opted to accommodate all clients by offering a latex free environment. Integrity Piercing does not use latex gloves, nor do we use bandaids or rubber bands containing latex.
Weekly Spore Testing
While it is common practice in the piercing industry to spore test autoclaves only once or twice a month, we conduct weekly spore testing of each of our four autoclaves to ensure that conditions for sterilization are consistently being met. Please feel free to ask us to see our spore test results – we have all of our test results available and we are proud to show you our dedication to your health and safety.
(Per the CDC: Spore tests are biological indicators, or spore tests, are the most accepted means of monitoring sterilization because they assess the sterilization process directly by killing known highly resistant microorganisms (e.g., Geobacillus or Bacillus species).)
Single-Use Skin Prep and Marking
All products used for skin preparation before piercing procedures are pre-packaged and single use, to avoid the risk of accidental contamination when dispensing bulk products from dispensers. We most commonly use alcohol and iodine, although we will use double alcohol for clients who have iodine sensitivities or allergies. Marking is performed with sterile single use skin markers that are designated for body piercing procedures.